If you are an insurer in the U.S., you’ve experienced or watched in dread as two typhoons in the eastern Pacific caused $4 billion in economic damage just last month (August 2015) and the ongoing drought in the West has caused $3 billion in losses so far.

But please, let’s think positive – and make sure we’re prepared – while we take a look at 10 major natural disasters (listed least to most impactful) predicted in the near future:

10 Wildfires, U.S., 2015 – 2050

9 Baroarbunga Volcanic Explosion, Iceland, 2014

8 Megathrust Earthquake, Chile, 2015 – 2065

7 Twin Earthquake, Japan, 2017

6 Mt. Fuji Eruption, Japan, 2015 – 2053

5 Earthquake – Tsunami Split, Oregon, 2015 – 2065

4 East Coast Submersion, U.S., 2050 – 2100

3 Largest Tsunami Ever, Caribbean, Unknown

2 The “Big One,” California, 2015 – 2045

1 Major Solar Storm, Earth, 2015 – 2025

Looking back, we can see what’s coming

In 2011, global catastrophic events caused more than $370 billion in economic losses. With the second-largest in history still fresh in our minds, concern will continue to weigh heavy on insurers as prediction accuracy increases and the threat of these major events looms on the horizon. Whether it is treaty or facultative, reinsurance placement will continue to increase in importance for every carrier in the world – no one is excluded.

So, what can insurers do to become more effective in their reinsurance placements?

Ruth Fisk has more than 25 years of experience working within the insurance industry and is a foremost expert on the practical application of EDMS technology. In her role as Global Director for Insurance at Hyland, she has travelled to more than 90 countries helping insurance organizations to successfully reduce operating expenses, increase efficiency, and positively impact their bottom lines.